Daycare reopens with new leadership

The daycare facility located at the former YMCA building in Greenville is nearing its much-anticipated reopening, with only licensing and inspections standing in the way.

City officials say they are optimistic that the final hurdles will be cleared within the next week or two, bringing new life to a long-awaited project.

“It’s in the same building as the old daycare and it’s just pending approval and licensing from DHR (Department of Human Resources),” said Eddie Cook, public affairs director for the City of Greenville. “We were of the understanding that they would be out [to inspect] last week and that didn’t happen; so, hopefully they’ll come out this week,”.

He added that the city has undertaken some upkeep and renovations in preparation for the new facility.

During the City Council meeting held on Aug. 12, officials announced that the contract to operate the daycare center would be awarded to Tonya Porter, Director of the Eagle Learning Academy on Conecuh Street. Porter’s current facility has reached maximum capacity and the addition of the new facility will allow her to serve even more families in the community.

“Our first location is actually maxed out with 85 kids, and we have a running waiting list at the moment that we’re going to start with at the second location,” Porter said. “We’re getting calls day after day, so if you have anybody that needs a spot, they might want to go ahead and get on that wait list. We’re hoping to be able to serve over 100 kids at this location.”

The city has been working on reopening the daycare and with Porter’s leadership, officials believe they are close to achieving that goal.

“It’s been a two-year endeavor and I think we’re about to cross the finish line on that matter,” Cook noted. “I’ve talked to most of y’all about the candidate that I’ve been lobbying for for two years. She has gracefully stood by us and she’s been patient.”

As the city awaits final approval from the Department of Human Resources, parents and guardians eager to secure spots for their children are encouraged to join the waitlist as the daycare prepares to open its doors once again.

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